Bala Krishna

Bala Krishna on a small canvas


Sometimes the smallest paintings carry the most personal stories. This little Krishna portrait measures just 10" × 7" and was painted directly onto the wooden backing of an old frame. Rather than stretching canvas or preparing a separate panel, I applied gesso to the backboard, creating a smooth painting surface. Once the painting was complete and dry, it simply slipped back into its frame, becoming both artwork and finished presentation in a single object.

The reference for this painting came from an unexpected place—a photograph of my daughter taken during my sister's wedding. There was something about the expression in that photograph: the softness of the eyes, the slight smile, the innocence and quiet confidence. As I worked, those qualities naturally found their way into the image of Krishna.

I wasn't trying to create a strict portrait or a highly detailed devotional image. Instead, I wanted to capture a feeling—the gentle, affectionate presence that so many Krishna paintings seek to convey. The peacock feather, the flute, and the traditional ornaments provide the familiar visual language, while the expression carries the emotional heart of the piece.

Working at this small scale is always an interesting challenge. Every brushstroke matters. There is little room for elaborate detail, so shapes, values, and expressions must do most of the work. In a painting this size, the eyes become especially important; they often determine whether the image feels alive.

Looking at it now, I enjoy the thought that a family memory quietly became a Krishna painting. What began as a wedding photograph evolved into something devotional, blending observation, imagination, and affection into a small framed artwork.
Not every painting needs a grand concept or a large canvas.

Sometimes a simple piece, painted on the back of a frame and inspired by a familiar face, can become one of the most meaningful works in the studio.

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